Roofing in Key West, FL

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Tips & Advice

What type of roofing material is most susceptible to hail damage?

The roofing material that is most susceptible to hail damage is the asphalt shingle. Hail's impact can gradually destroy the granular covering of these shingles, shortening their lifespan. Modified asphalt shingles offer improved impact resistance, and this allows them to perform more durably in hail than standard asphalt shingles.

What is fishmouthing?

Fishmouthing is a condition that affects shingle roofs, and it can cause shingles to become curled or cupped. If your shingles are fishmouthed, they will be prone to breakage if someone walks on the roof. Fishmouthing can be caused by defective shingles, improper flashing, improper nailing, and shoddy storage of the shingles prior to installation.

What are ice dams?

An ice dam is a rim of ice that can form on a roof during frigid weather, creating a barrier that prevents water and snow from pouring off the roof. Ice dams can create stagnant pools of snow and water that can leak into the home, causing damage to walls and ceilings. Ice dams can be prevented by installing heated cables along the edges of your roof.

Can roofs be painted?

Roofs can be painted, but it's important to choose a specialized roof paint. These paints are created to resist mildew and algae, and they are able to withstand the high heat that rooftops face during warm weather. Specialized roof paints are crafted to adhere to commonly used roofing materials such as asphalt, wood, and tile.

What is the best way to treat algae growth on a roof?

The best way to treat algae growth on a roof is to apply a mixture of 50 percent chlorine bleach and 50 percent water. Apply it with a spray bottle and let it soak into the roof for 15-20 minutes. After this time, thoroughly rinse the mixture from the roof using low water pressure.

Can shingles be applied on top of an existing roof?

Yes, shingles can be applied over an existing roof. This approach can save you money, since you won't have to pay a dump fee for getting rid of the existing roof. It also cuts down on installation time, and the additional layer can provide extra protection during storms. But before installing shingles over an existing roof, it's important to make sure the roof can support the additional weight that comes with having two layers of roofing in place.

What are the benefits of fiberglass shingles?

Fiberglass shingles are actually a type of asphalt shingle, but they feature a core threaded with fiberglass strands. The added fiberglass helps these shingles to be lighter and more flexible than the standard asphalt shingle. Fiberglass shingles are also quite durable, with a longer lifespan than many other types of roofing materials.

Do roof leaks have to be repaired by a professional?

Yes, it’s recommended that most roof leaks be repaired by a professional. Safety is one major reason, as it can be quite dangerous to navigate a roof and perform a repair. Also, some repairs are complicated and require professional expertise to ensure the fix is effective and long-lasting.

What material is used to waterproof a roof?

There are several materials that can effectively waterproof a roof. Membrane systems using felt paper, and asphalt or tar paper with tar can be used to make a roof impervious to rain. Elastomeric roof coatings also block moisture, and come in varieties that are compatible with a host of different roof materials.

What is the most commonly used roofing material?

The most commonly used roofing material is the asphalt shingle. Asphalt shingles are incredibly durable, and do a great job of protecting your roof from moisture. Offered in a variety of colors and textures to suit multiple design motifs, they’re also one the least expensive roofing choices on the market.

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Did You Know?

Different Types of Roofing Services

The type of roofer you will need will depend on whether you require a brand new roof or small repairs. You need to find a contractor with a history of excellent service in a particular roofing project.

Installation - A roofer can put a brand new roof on your home or commercial building. When this is done as part of original construction, the main contractor will probably perform the task, or may hire a specialist. This is a big project so you may want to find a company who can offer a crew to install your roof over a shorter time period.

Since this is a more involved process, it is also more expensive. Home Advisor says you should expect to pay between $4,000 to $9,000 for a roof installation. This, of course, depends on what type of material the roofer uses, the size of your roof, the code requirements of your area and even the angle - or pitch - of your roof.

Replacement - If you want to replace your current roof, you can hire a company or individual to strip your roof and install new shingles or panels. Some roofing options, such as metal tiles, can be placed on top of existing shingles and are easy enough to install that a single contractor can perform the task efficiently.

If the contractor can install the new roof without removing the old one, it is going to cost you less than a complete replacement. Installing lighter materials will also save you money because it requires fewer people and can be completed faster.

Repair - When you have a leak, it may be time to contact a local roofer. Some problems are obvious and you'll want to call a contractor quickly before damage spreads. A roofer will replace holes in your roof after severe weather or fix your gutters when they stop draining properly.

The average roof repair project will cost you a few hundred dollars. Each tasks is different and you should get a price breakdown for each roof repair project. Make sure you are charged a fair price for materials and time.

Maintenance - There are a variety of tasks that can help maintain the quality of your roofing materials. You may want to invest in sealant or coatings that prevent moisture accumulation or reflect sunlight.

A popular project these days is installing solar panels or other environmentally conscious solutions to save money and make your property greener. When pricing these options, make sure to compare how much the project costs to how much the contractor projects you should save on utilities and heating expesnes.

Inspection - If you are selling your home or business, you'll probably want to contact a roofer to inspect your property for any issues that may affect the value. Whatever your reason for inspections, a roofing expert can tell you possible causes for concerns or provide ideas for future maintenance.

Depending on your area, you may be able to find a roofing contractor who will give you a free evaluation, but you should expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for a full inspection.

When is a New Roof or Repair Necessary?

Certain events demand you reach out to a roofing expert - such as when a tree crashes through your home. If, however, you're unsure a visit from a contractor is warranted, here are a few signs it's time to give your roof some attention:

Obvious Damage
The easiest way to tell if your roof needs repair or replacement is to look at it. You should be able to spot broken or missing shingles. Look for subtler signs, such as roof tiles curling or damage around corners and chimneys. Inconsistent coloring could indicate moss or water damage.

If you really want to give your roof a thorough inspection, Good Housekeeping advises property owners to check gutters for broken down granules or interiors for structural sagging.

Not Doing its Job
Your roof is supposed to protect you from environmental elements. If you find water in your home after a rainstorm or feel a draft on cold days, it may mean there are gaps in your roof panels or other problems. A good place to check is your basement or the uppermost level of your property. Try turning out the lights during the day and checking for signs of sunlight breaking through your roof.

You can also check your energy bill. When you feel like you pay too much for heat or cooling, roof repairs could help you cut costs.

After a Major Weather Event
You should always inspect your roof for signs of damage after a major weather event. Wind can blow shingles off your property and hail is a common cause of dents or breakage. If your home suffers from a fire, you need to check for internal structural damage.

Warranty Expires
All roof materials - even metal shingles and panels - have an expiration date. If you've had your roof for over 20 years, you should consider having a professional give it a full inspection. Problems aren't always obvious, but you can check your original contractor statements for when it's time to reevaluate the work.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Roofing Contractor

After doing your research, you should talk to a roofer in person and ask specific questions before hiring him or her for your project:

What Are Your Qualifications?
The first thing you need to check for is a local address. Its easier to trust a roofer with a history in the community that proudly displays contact information. Not all states require a roofing license, but you should at least check to see if a company or contractor belongs to a national roofing organization or the local chamber of commerce. Ask about any award or certifications the company has earned in previous years.

Can I Have a Cost Report?
No matter how dependable a roofer may seem, never depend on a verbal agreement. You want to get every promise down in writing. An extensive job cost report shows you exactly what work a roofer will perform and how much each service will cost you.

Go line by line and ask about every expense. You should also check to make sure the job completely covers the necessary task, so ask about additional services the contractor could perform for water protection or extended warranty.

What Are Your Plans for Emergencies?
Roofing can be dangerous. You need to make sure that the company or contractor carries liability insurance so you are not held responsible for accidents. Ask to see the proper paperwork and inquire about safety precautions. You should also check if the roofer has contingencies for smaller emergencies, such as rain delays.

How Will You Protect My Property?
Roofing projects can lead to debris and even structural damage. You should invite a roofer to inspect your property before beginning a project so you can point out landscaping or other external features they should look out for. If the contractor doesn't seem to care about aesthetical concerns, you shouldn't expect the finished product to help your curb appeal.

What's Your Warranty?
You need to inquire about how long the work should last. A major factor in longevity will be the materials used. You should research online about how long metal or concrete shingles should perform and make sure the business's guaranteed warranty is in line with industry standards.

Can I Get a Reference?
Not only should you ask to get in contact with past clients, Time Magazine advises homeowners to visit projects currently underway to see how the contractor or company actually performs during a job. You can also go online and check out other customer reviews.

How Does One Know What Type of Roof is Suitable?

Roofing materials are made out of concrete, metal, plastic and a variety of other substances. Before you settle on material and a design, you should consider these factors:

Environmental Concerns
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, you may want to avoid flammable roofing materials. You have to be aware of your risks for damage and prevent common causes of trouble in your initial buying. This doesn't disqualify all materials. For example, if you worry about moisture but want asphalt shingles, you can purchase algae-resistant versions. If you are designing a home, a pitched roof is better at preventing moisture acclimation than a flat one.

Duration
The longer you plan to live in your current home or occupy a commercial space, the more you should invest in a durable roof. The roof of your structure will be a major selling point should you decide to move.

Aesthetics
Some roofing materials, such as metal and plastic, have a variety of available looks and designs, while clay tile is very popular for an authentic appearance. You must consider how the roof should look alongside the rest of your architecture and talk to your contractor about the aesthetic values of high-quality materials. You should also consider skylights, chimneys or other obstacles to consistent patterns when planning a design.

Cost
Once you consider your regional area, necessary durability and aesthetic appeal, you should take your needs to a roofer who can give you the most cost-efficient option that will satisfy your concerns. You should always create a budget for your roof installation or repair.

Prevention Tips

If you wish to keep visits from a professional roofer to a minimum, there are some steps you can take to maintain your roof on your own:

Perform Simple Maintenance
Water in your roof is a major cause of mold and leaks. Regularly cleaning your gutters to prevent debris build-up is a best practice. You should also check your flashing and shingle alignment for holes or cracks in the surface. When a roofer installs new materials, ask about specific maintenance you should perform.

Be Aware of Your Risks
If you have a tree near your home, you have to look out for wet leaves accumulating on your roof and the potential danger of falling branches. Homes in colder climates may suffer from freezing, so you want to make sure your roof is properly insulated and prevent heavy snows from weighing down your structure. Before any major weather event, you should inspect your home for possible weaknesses and contact a roofer to prevent trouble.

Stay Vigilant
The primary solution for any possible roof damage is prevention. You can't take your property for granted. You should inspect your roof at regular intervals. Have a professional roofing contractor evaluate your structure after major incidents and well before your warranty expires.